Youtube Premium Finally Arrives in Kenya!

The long-awaited YouTube Premium has finally made its debut in the country. With individual subscriptions available at KES 449 and family packages at KES 949, it’s a deal that’s hard to resist.

Emblem of Creativity: The Iconic YouTube Play Button

But wait, there’s more! All YouTube subscribers will be automatically upgraded to YouTube Premium Music. For those who are all about the tunes, there’s an option to subscribe to YouTube Music Premium for just KES 413 a month.

YouTube promises its Premium subscribers an enhanced experience with exclusive features like ‘smart search’, which helps you find songs even if you only remember a few lyrics.

This launch comes at a pivotal time. YouTube has faced criticism for being ad-heavy and for its crackdown on ad blockers. But with YouTube Premium, users can enjoy an ad-free experience.

It’s interesting to note that YouTube Premium was launched globally 9 years ago, and it’s only now making its way to African countries like Kenya. One might wonder if YouTube underestimated the potential of these markets. They didn’t even conduct a pilot test with a few Kenyan users to gauge the response.

But let’s face it, at KES 499 for an individual package and KES 949 for a family package, it’s a small price to pay for an ad-free experience. Most Kenyans would likely jump at the chance to say goodbye to those pesky ads. So, are you ready to upgrade your YouTube experience?

FEATURES AND BENEFITS OF YOUTUBE PREMIUM

Ad-free viewing:Say goodbye to those pesky ads.One of the stand out features of youtube Premium is the ability to enjoy your favourite content without any interruptions.No more annoying ad breaks in the middle of your favourite song , podcast or video.With youtube premium and youtube Music , you can fully immerse yourself in the content you love , be it music videos , educational content , or entertaining vlogs.

Seamless Multitasking with Background Play:YouTube Premium takes multitasking to a new level. Now, you can listen to your favorite videos while switching between apps or even when your screen is locked. This is a game-changer, especially for those who are always on the go and juggle multiple tasks at once.

PC Users, Rejoice!:Good news for PC users! You can now download videos directly from your computer using popular browsers like Chrome, Edge, Firefox, and Opera Mini. Google has mentioned that they are working on extending this feature to other browsers as well.

Offline Downloads: Your Favorite Content, Anytime, Anywhere:With YouTube Premium, your favorite content is always within reach. The offline download feature is a boon for those who love to travel or find themselves in areas with limited internet access. 

Now, you can access your favorite content anytime, anywhere. Enjoy the freedom that YouTube Premium brings!

How To Subscribe To YouTube Premium in KenyA

Step-by-Step guide on how to subscribe to Youtube Premium

Step 1: Get Started:Kickstart your ad-free journey by launching the YouTube app and signing into your Google account. Make sure you’re logged into the account you wish to upgrade to YouTube Premium.

Step 2: Navigate to YouTube Premium:Tap on your profile icon located at the bottom right corner of your screen. Scroll down until you spot “Get YouTube Premium”. Remember, the app only offers a monthly plan. 

If you’re interested in an annual or family plan, you’ll need to head over to your browser.

Step 3: Browser Steps:Open your browser (Chrome is recommended) and ensure you’re logged into the correct account. 

Follow the same steps as in the app. When you reach the YouTube Premium option, you’ll notice a text saying “or save money with an annual, family or student plan”. Click on the highlighted text to explore these options.

Step 4: Try for Free:Click on “Try for free” and then hit the “Continue” button. A pop-up will appear prompting you to enter your payment details. 

After entering the correct information, tap on the “Buy” button at the bottom of the screen. Make sure you’ve selected the correct card. If you wish to save your card for future use, you can do so at the pop-up.

COMPARING YOUTUBE WITH OTHER STREAMING SERVICES IN KENYA

YouTube: The Undisputed Video-Sharing Monarch

YouTube reigns supreme as the go-to video-sharing platform, not just in Kenya, but across the globe. Its expansive library of content, ranging from music and documentaries to tutorials and even movies (though not as extensive as Netflix), caters to a diverse audience. 

As a freemium platform, YouTube offers both free and premium versions, making it an appealing entertainment choice for many.

Netflix: The Rising Contender

Netflix, the global streaming behemoth, has been making waves in the Kenyan market with its enticing selection of original and licensed TV shows and movies. Despite a short-lived free version in Kenya, Netflix’s subscription-based model continues to provide users with unlimited access to its content library.

Spotify: The Melodic Maestro

Spotify, the world’s leading music streaming service, has struck a chord with Kenya’s music aficionados. Its extensive music library and user-friendly interface keep users engrossed, browsing through various music categories. 

Spotify’s freemium model, offering ad-supported free listening and ad-free premium subscriptions, caters to a wide spectrum of music lovers.

Boomplay: The Homegrown Hero

Boomplay, an African streaming service owned by Transsnet Music Limited, offers a unique fusion of local and international music. It specializes in African music genres such as afrobeat, bongo flava, and gengetone, striking a chord with Kenyan audiences seeking a distinctly African sound. 

Like its counterparts, Boomplay offers a freemium model with ad-supported free listening and premium subscription options, attracting a significant user base in Kenya.

CONCLUSION 

As i conclude, it has taken youtube almost a decade to finally bring this feature in africa and specifically kenya , if in deed it was introduced earlier on we couldn't be complaining about ads and how annoying they are , so i appreciate Youtube for that finally!

The pricing starting at KES 449 for individuals subscriptions and KES 949 for family packages seems reasonable for many users seeking uninterrupted viewing experience

Comparatively YouTube stands the reigning video platform in kenya offering a vast array of user generate and professional content , combining both videos and music.While competitors like Netflix , Spotify , Boomplay cater for specific entertainment niches